NFL Combine 2010: Ranking the 15 College Programs That Sent the Most Players

15 college football programs had six or more players invited to the NFL Combine this year, and four are bringing at least ten.

But I've gotten in trouble before by looking solely at numbers. Who is actually fielding the strongest group? Do numbers tell the whole story?

Taking draft stock, risers and fallers and NFL upside into account, who among these 15 teams is fielding the strongest Combine group?

No. 15: Virginia Tech

Participants: Brent Bowden, P; Kam Chancellor, FS; Cody Grimm, LB; Stephan Virgil, CB; Ed Wang, OL; Jason Worilds, DE.

The Hokies are sending six total players to the Combine.

Wang, a senior, was a possible second round pick at tackle, but his stock has been in free-fall since his so-so performance at the Senior Bowl.

Jason Worilds is a redshirt junior who is projected to go in the third or fourth round. His stock is on the rise, and he cracked USA Today's top 64 players, so he could end up a second rounder.

The free safety, Kam Chancellor, could also play the strong position. He played well at the Shrine Bowl but could fall to the fourth round.

Overall, a so-so group lacking star power.

No. 14: Fresno State

No. 13: Cal

Participants: Tyson Alualu, DE; Jahvid Best, RB; Nyan Boateng, WR; Mike Tepper, OL; Syd'Quan Thompson; Verran Tucker WR

I don't think much of Jahvid Best's NFL prospects—if Malcolm Gladwell's article in the New Yorker taught us anything, it's that once you have one concussion, more are sure to follow.

He's still a top three talent, but I never saw the output that justified the hype.

Another prospect representing the Bears is cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson, the Bears' only solid player in an awful defensive backfield last year. His size is a liability and he'll have to show he has cornerback speed.

No. 12: Clemson

Participants: Crezdon Butler, CB; Chris Chancellor, CB; Kavell Conner, LB; Jacoby Ford, WR; Ricky Sapp, DE; CJ Spiller, RB

I've gotten in trouble for being criminally high on CJ Spiller, so now I'll go in the opposite direction—I really don't know how well he'll do in the pros.

I don't think he's the best running back in the draft (I'd give that to Ryan Matthews, for the record) considering that "playing in space" is a tricky concept in the NFL.

Outside of Spiller, Clemson brings only a so-so class. Ricky Sapp is a good 3-4 tweener prospect with a great burst, but in a class of 60+ end prospects, he'll have to be pretty damn good to stand out.

And Jacoby Ford really doesn't fit well in a typical NFL season—above-average speed, but only mediocre size.

Without safety DeAndre McDaniel, I think this class is all hype and no bag.

No. 11: South Florida

Participants: Nate Allen, FS; Carlton Mitchell, WR; Jerome Murphy, CB; Jason Pierre-Paul; George Selvie, DE; Kion Wilson, LB

The Bulls are sending two of the top ends in the draft to the combine in George Selvie and Jason Pierre-Paul, and no one can decide which one is making the other one look better.

A year ago, Selvie seemed like the more solid prospect, but his output has tapered off since a stellar sophomore season. Pierre-Paul, on the other hand, is watching his stock rise as scouts are paying attention to his upside.

The combine is one place we can get a better sense of the physical talents of both without worrying whether an offense is double-teaming one and leaving the other free to pass-rush.

No. 10: Penn State

Participants: Navorro Bowman, LB; Daryll Clark, QB; Josh Hull, LB; Sean Lee, LB; Jared Odrick, DT; Andrew Quarless, TE

Even though I don't see any going in the first round, the Nittany Lions field six solid prospects,

Sean Lee was a solid MLB prospect, but his ACL injury nagged all year, and it looks like it will trouble him his NFL career as well. I hope he proves me wrong.

I like Odrick, Bowman and Quarless to be gone by the fourth round, but I don't think Clark even gets drafted, good combine or no.

Nonetheless, a really strong group.

No. 9: Oklahoma State

Participants: Lucien Antoine, FS; Dez Bryant, WR; Perrish Cox, CB; Russell Okung, OL; Zac Robinson, QB; Keith Toston, RB

Dez Bryant has been out of practice—literally–for months, but I don't think it will matter. He was unstoppable for the Cowboys last year, and was the link missing from their offense this year. His play would have made them a contender rather than a pretender this year, and he'll do the same for wherever he ends up.

Russell Okung dined with the Lions last night, and it probably wasn't because they want to bring his weight up. He's at the ideal weight and has the opportunity to be an anchor on the Lions' left side. Could be the no. 2 pick overall. That's pretty powerful, wouldn't you say?

Perrish Cox is turning some heads at the cornerback position—he interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons—but it's another year with a lot of talented corners and he'll need to do much to distinguish himself.

Outside of those three, I don't see much. If Zac Robinson doesn't have the arm strength now, when will he?

Keith Toston has a solid senior season, but I'm not sure where he plugs in in an NFL offense.

Finally, neither safety strikes me as a serious contender above the fourth round.

You could switch this class with Penn State's in the rankings if you valued a deep class over one with all-stars.

No. 8: Ole Miss

Participants: Marshay Green, CB; Greg Hardy, DE; Shay Hodge, WR; John Jerry, OL; Kendrick Lewis, FS; Dexter McCluster, RB; Jevan Snead, QB

Snead's arm looked really strong in workouts, but his decision-making prowess regressed in his junior year. Missing out on a senior season to develop was really, really unwise.

Dexter McCluster is extremely talented. But he's just the kind of player that is only beginning to succeed in the NFL, and he'll have to be deployed wisely. He's not as durable as Percy Harvin, but he's as speedy and shifty, so I hope he ends up somewhere with a decent offensive mind running the program.

Greg Hardy is a solid defensive end, but the same caveats apply as with Clemson's Ricky Sapp: you'll have to be the best of the best to catch the top round. That said, he very well could be.

The class drops off after those three.

No. 7: Iowa

Participants: Pat Angerer, LB; Brian Bulaga, OL; Kyle Calloway, OL; AJ Edds, LB; Tony Moeaki, TE; Dace Richardson, OL; Amari Spievey, CB

Seven solid players in this group, led by Bulaga, who won't be the first tackle taken but will be a bulldozer on the right side for whomever takes a chance.

He came in for criticism on the length of his arms, but he was a true anchor for the Hawkeyes and played despite a thyroid condition throughout the year.

Angerer will be a terrific, multi-year starter in the NFL. He has a nose for the ball and is a terrific run-stuffer who is above-average in pass coverage.

Spievey is a solid corner against whom teams rarely threw his junior year, while AJ Edds was a top outside linebacker in the Big Ten whom I could see cracking the third round.

Tony Moeaki is a terrific block-and-release tight end, but injury problems kept his productivity to a minimum at Iowa. He seems to fit the prototypical mold for an NFL player, but we'll see if the scouts find those injuries troublesome.

Iowa's line was so good that I'm inclined to vouch also for Richardson and Calloway despite my unfamiliarity in their play. I can speak for Bulaga, though—that guy is a beast.

No. 6: Florida

Participants: Riley Cooper, WR; Jermaine Cunningham, DE; Carlos Dunlap, DE; Joe Haden, CB; Aaron Hernandez, TE; Brandon James, WR; Maurkice Pouncey, OL; Brandon Spikes, LB; Tim Tebow, QB; Major Wright, FS

Even with a a man advantage, I couldn't rate Florida's class above Oklahoma's in these power-rankings.

Outside of Haden, Spikes and maybe Wright, I don't see a player on here that should crack the first two rounds.

Tebow is a lost cause at quarterback. In times of crisis, you do not rise to the occasion, you revert to the level of preparation. Despite the new-and-improved hype, Tebow will continue to revert to that long wind-up delivery under pressure, which will lead to forced fumbles and safeties breaking on the ball early. He's a bad bet for any team looking to take a chance.

I love Haden's coverage abilities, Spikes' instinctive play in the middle of the field, and the bone-jarring hits Major Wright delivers play after play.

But I don't think either defensive end ought to go above the second round. Dunlap's only buzz is as the draft's biggest bust, and there's more reliable talent that should go near the top. (Whether they actually do go is another question.)

Brandon James is an intriguing get on special teams, but I don't see him running sideline-to-sideline on an NFL defense.

Cooper's too slow to be anything but a possession receiver. Pouncey is a solid interior prospect, but I think his brother was the better prospect (I'm reminding myself of Dewey Cox's dad here).

And finally, Hernandez—new-wave tight end of the future? Nah, too short. Split end receiver? That sounds better. Second round pick? In your dreams.

No. 5: Texas

Participants: LaMarr Houston, DT; Sergio Kindle, DE; Colt McCoy, QB; Roddrick Muckelroy, LB; Jordan Shipley, WR; Earl Thomas, SS; Adam Ulatoski, OL

With the exception of Ulatoski (wasn't Texas' offensive line it's weak link?), I would wager that all six of these players will see NFL time, some of them significantly.

I think that via the Drew Brees example, the NFL is moving in a direction that will favor Colt McCoy's quick release and accuracy, and his arm strength is above par.

Kindle is in the top three for 3-4 OLB prospects and could also play some odd nickelback. His athleticism and change of direction skills will be hard to pass up before the second round is over.

Houston is a little too small to play nose in a 3-4, but he'll do fine as traditional three-tech tackle in a 4-3 scheme. Muckelroy may struggle to find a home given his below-average size, but again, his athleticism will be hard to ignore.

I'm a little surprised Earl Thomas is listed as a strong safety for the NFL's purposes. I think he could use a year in the weight room (he's only a redshirt sophomore and came out as early as he could) before taking on NFL running backs. Plus, his skills at baiting QBs into interceptions suit the free position more.

And Shipley? Shipley's off to New England in the second round.

No. 4: LSU

Participants: Rahim Alem, DE; Charles Alexander, DT; Ciron Black, OL; Harry Coleman, LB; Chris Hawkins, CB; Trindon Holliday, KR; Chad Jones, FS; Brandon LaFell, WR; Perry Riley, LB; Charles Scott, RB; Keiland Williams, RB; Al Woods, DT

Ah, so this is why experts kept ranking the Tigers so high in the AP poll despite the lack of a signature win.

The Tigers field the most players of any school in the Combine (12). But I don't see breakout rookies, nor do t see top selections at any position.

Ciron Black is considered a worthy LT prospect, but he had a poor senior season and may not go until the middle rounds.

Chad Jones has the talent to be the top safety taken, but came at a bad time. This is a class heavy with strong safety talent. He may end up fourth or fifth overall.

Brandon LaFell is a huge receiver, but I think NFL scouts will take issue with his speed. On the other hand, he could be the one who suffered most from LSU's iffy quarterback play the last few years. I've heard the talent is there.

LSU's defensive linemen have been a safe investment the last few years, but the returns are trending downward. Draft Alem, Woods and Alexander at your own risk.

The only player I see surprising us in a good way is Charles Scott. He's a buster and a valuable third down back, but even then, he'll be lucky to go before the fourth round.

An underwhelming group of talented kids. I hope they achieve more success at the next level than they did in their final year in Baton Rouge.

No. 3: Oklahoma

Participants: Sam Bradford, QB; Chris Brown, RB; Keenan Clayton, LB; Brody Eldridge, TE; Dominique Franks, CB; DeMarcus Granger, DT; Jermaine Gresham, TE; Brian Jackson, CB; Gerald McCoy, DT; Trent Williams, OL

Even though they send fewer participant, I rank Oklahoma's group ahead of Florida's and LSU's. There's a lot of really solid prospects in this class, and some, like Ryan Reynolds, that weren't even invited.

Bradford could be the top pick in the draft despite missing most of the season with an AC joint sprain he still hasn't fully recovered from. He was one of my favorite quarterbacks to watch when healthy. He's got everything NFL scouts look for—size, intelligence, arm strength—but the injury could cost him that top money and is a legit cause for concern if he still hasn't healed.

Chris Brown will be like Glen Coffee was last year—a solid and totally underrated back whom NFL scouts will recognize can keep the chains moving and has excellent burst through the gaps.

Trent Williams played every damn position on the line last year while the Sooners suffered wave after wave of injuries, starting at tackle and ending up at center by the time the Sun Bowl rolled around. He's a first-round pick without question.

I also really like Gerald McCoy and see him at the nose position in a 4-3 scheme. He went down with an injury during the Sun Bowl, so scouts will be looking to see if that lingers.

The other DT, DeMarcus Granger is another big-bodied kid who could end up higher than expected.

Both tight ends are solid—Eldridge had to step up for the physically gifted Jermaine Gresham after the latter's ACL tear and did a fine job. As long as he's healthy, Gresham will light up the NFL on the right team.

Franks is the better cover corner even with a year of eligibility to go, but he'll go no higher than the third round. Jackson is considered a sleeper/late rounder.

No. 2: Alabama

Participants: Javier Arenas, CB; Terrence Cody, DT; Brandon Deaderick, DE; Kareem Jackson, CB; Mike Johnson, OL; Rolando McClain, LB; Colin Peek, TE; Leigh Tiffin, K; Lorenzo Washington, DE; Justin Woodall, SS

Seven of Alabama's entrants are from the national championship-winning defense, and four of those I could picture going in the first or second round.

Arenas is a great defensive back prospect who could play some nickel as a rookie. He's got speed to burn, and could return kicks if NFL honchos were so inclined.

Either Deaderick or Washington will crack the top two rounds, and if Cody can prove that he will hold up at the point of attack, he could be a NFL hall of fame nose in a 3-4.

Justin Woodall secured the same agent as OT Andre Smith, so he's sure to get drafted, sign a contract with all kinds of bells and whistles, and still never play a down as a rookie.

Rolando McClain is the real deal at middle linebacker, huge, hulking and with a punishing, driving first hit. He's sure to be a candidate for rookie of the year and could be the first inside linebacker—or overall linebacker—taken.

And Jackson is drawing praise as the best pure corner in the draft. From a top defensive secondary like Alabama's, that's no surprise.

On offense, the Tide are no slouches either. Leigh TIffin is Alabama's leading scorer after four years of kicking it through the uprights, and in a year when kickers, old and young, were a liability, he could see himself drafted high (sorry, the Raiders already resigned Janikowski).

Colin Peek's stock is on the rise and the Patriots are apparently interested.

And the OG, Mike Johnson, slid from guard to tackle when necessary. He plays with a mean edge, and is a top prospect on the interior.

No. 1: USC

Participants: Charles Brown, OL; Jeff Byers, OL; Everson Griffen, DE; Stafon Johnson, RB; Taylor Mays, FS; Anthony McCoy, TE; Joe McKnight, RB; Alex Parsons, OL; Josh Pinkard, CB; Kevin Thomas, CB; Damian Williams, WR

Alabama fans feeling jilted by being left behind USC (despite the Trojans' one-man advantage) should remind themselves that the top three candidates for defensive rookie of the year last year were all former USC Trojans linebackers. The Trojans program is legit (or, at least, was under Carroll; Kiffin's legitimacy is still TBD).

This year, USC's profound impact could be felt on offense. Williams, McCoy, McKnight and Johnson are all great players who underachieved but have the talent to be multi-year starters in the NFL.

I love McKnight's speed, Williams' swagger, and McCoy's great hands. And who isn't pulling for Johnson after his unreal weight-room injury? I hope NFL teams take a chance on him; he showed tremendous fight in battling back, and I think players that experience incidents like that and survive end up succeeding.

Ditto for the Trojans' offensive linemen. all of whom could anchor the teams they play for. The undeniable top selection is Brown, who will be among the top four tackles taken.

I can't speak for the cornerbacks—the Trojans' defensive backfield was its principal liability—but Mays will be a punishing strong safety who will aim for success similar to that of former Trojan Troy Polamalu.

Everson Griffin was the most reliable player in the USC defense last year, which bodes well for his success in the pros. He's a top-shelf pass rusher who will look to crack the top four ends taken.

In all, a solid group that will be fun to watch on both sides of the ball next year.